Thursday, 12 September 2024

Wrapping up the holidays

During the last few weeks of our extended holiday Dorien and Lars came to France with Ollie, to take a break from their busy working and new home owners life. They were joined by their friends Luuk and Nienke for several days. Unfortunately, Piet had to go back to The Hague to start working again, before coming back for a final week of leave.

The main event was the Tour de France Femmes, with a finish of the final stage on Alpe d'Huez. In the morning Piet cycled up with the local cycling club, and in the afternoon we walked up to see the race. Although not as busy as the men's race there were many spectators, and it was a very exiting and close race with a few seconds difference between the first three riders in the final classification.

The last days were spend hiking, cycling and organising the house and garden after nearly four months in France, and preparing (mentally) to return to a regular life. Mary used the regular bike rides she did during this time to get in good shape, joined the local club, and as a reward smoothly cycled up Alpe d'Huez for the first time in several years. This whole period gave a good taste on how retirement could look like! We are looking forward to more of this....

Playing badminton in the garden

Col Series: the road to Col d'Ornon was closed for cars

Dorien, Lars and their friends Luuk and Nienke made it up Col d'Ornon

Pippin and his best friend Ollie

UC Oisans gathering in Bourg, before cycling up Alpe d'Huez ahead of the Tour de France Femmes; note that Piet apparently doesn't like pink shirts

It was cold and grey on Alpe d'Huez, and still quiet around lunch time

Tour de France Femmes on Alpe d'Huez: Demi Vollering and Pauline Rooijakkers in the lead

Kasia Niewiadoma, in the yellow jersey, is chasing the leaders

Marianne Vos (in the green jersey) and friends

SD Works has done their work for Demi Vollering: Christine Majerus, Lorena Wiebes and Blanka Vas

The grupetto

Beautiful Tour weather in the Alps

Along the Romanche, near our house

Preparing to cycle up Oz Station, with the local club UC Oisans

After training all summer Mary made it up to Alpe d'Huez, for the first time in several years

The last hike, along the Veneon

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